This is a huge decision you are faced with. I'm sure with your faith, God will lead you to the right choice. I'm afraid I probably won't be much help on this, but I do care, so I'll just send a prayer and a (((HUG)))

Our fellow 'DUAL-buzzing buddies' will be right along and give great input.
We never fail one another here.

God Bless!

Rae

Hey Yellow!

Sounds like you have some big decisions to make, and I am sure you will find the right path for you.

I am not sure if you would need to have a second phsyc eval, seems like you wouldn't need it since you already had one and a stim implanted.

Regarding charging the cervical stim - my batteries were both initially placed in my hip/butt area (one on each side), my thoracic battery was moved to my front side when they changed those leads since it was bothering me. The cervical one is still in the back. I use a belt to charge them...it's adjustable

Wishing you the best,
Nanc

Hi Yellow

I've used the adhesive patches for a few months and the work great. I had a difficult time recharging to the full three bars using the adjustable belt. Give them a try I think you'll be happy you did.

Good luck with your decision.
Sandy

Thank you all, I appreciate it. It is a difficult decision because the treatment is such a trial-and-error process. But I feel like this is the most practical and logical decision, at least. And I know that when the trial is in place and I'm (hopefully) feeling the relief, I'll be all good with it all.

I talked to one of the nurses who said that they can switch the surgery for the date that I have booked, which is good to hear. But I do have to meet with the psychologist again, I guess because of insurance protocol. I don't really know what I'd say differently, and certainly I know what to expect even more the second time around, but I'll go through the motions. Hopefully I can at least skip the test.

And Sandy, it's good to hear that the patches work well for you. I can't get to the three bars either, and I think part of the problem is that the belt gets loose while it's on. So this should keep the charger aligned correctly

...... maybe when it comes to the bubble answer written part, they will hand you a copy of your "first time around answers" so you don't give unknowing conflicting responses..... Oh, I know, there I go being the foolish poptart high on frosting again....... strum, strum....

May all be well with you in this process, Yellow.
Prayin,
Mark56

Oh if only, Mark! But that would have to mean that they would be acknowledging my answers just 6 months ago would be the same as they are today, and that is too radical of an idea

Interestingly, after talking to my insurance company yesterday I found out that they don't require psych evaluations for SCS's. Their words were that it would be like telling doctors how to practice and they would never do that. Hmmm... because this company is very common in my area, and I would think the hospital would have known this. Well, a call then to the pain center is in order for Monday to see if it really is a requirement of theirs instead disguised as an insurance requirement or if it is a process I can bypass. Hopeful for the bypass option because the only available appointment the psychologist has will be cutting it very close to make it back for a final exam.

I did NOT know we could get high from the frosting! Perhaps I should change my avatar back to the pink poptart!

Yellow, good for you to be on top of this! That's very VERY interesting to know, coming straight from the Insurance company! This hospital bureaucratic b.s. really ticks me off

I'm one week away from the start of the trial, and I'm hopeful but nervous!

I was wondering how those of you who have been through the neck movement restrictions sleep? I picked up a couple of neck support pillows. Have you used those or have you just slept flat on the mattress? I'm a side sleeper, though, so I'm just not sure how being just on the mattress would work for me and I'd appreciate your experiences.

As you may know, I tend to over-prepare ahead of time, but it makes me feel better

Hi Yellow! I hope the trial goes well for you I wasn't under real strict movement restrictions...just BLAST (thanks Mark56). I went to work the last 3 days of the 7 day trial...had to see how I would do with it at work I am a side sleeper too and used just one pillow when I slept in the bed. I slept on the sofa or recliner most of the time during the trial and the permanent implant recovery because it was simply more comfortable. I wish I had purchased one of those neck support pillows, I could use it now
I would think there would be too much bend in your neck if you do not use a pillow (especially if you are on your side). You will find that when you turn your head and look up or down, you will get a jolt. It is not quite as bad when the permanent is implanted, and that gets better in time.

Nothing at all wrong with over preparing...whatever it takes to help you be comfortable with things, do it!

Again, good luck and keep us posted.
Nanc

Thanks, Nanc! The jolting sounds a little scary, but I guess that's something you get used to. I never had anything like that with my other SCS. I agree that there's no good way to keep your neck straight when sleeping on your side with no pillow, so I'm hoping one of the ones I bought will work for me.

I will take it easier during this trial than I did with the last one, simply because I've graduated and don't start classes for my Master's program til Fall, so I have more time at home. Monday and Tuesday of next week, though, I get to sit on a hard court bench for 3 hours each day to support a family member. Will be bringing lots of pillows there!